The recommendation for oral surgery can often be met with apprehension. At Innovative Smiles, we understand that any surgical procedure, no matter how routine, is a significant event for a patient. That is why we have made it our mission to provide the highest standard of oral surgery in Long Beach, blending state-of-the-art technology with a deeply compassionate approach. We are here to resolve pain, restore function, and ensure your experience is safe, comfortable, and positive.
Our practice is built upon a foundation of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT). We believe that earning your trust is the most important part of our job. From the moment you enter our office, our team is focused on your well-being. Whether you require a routine wisdom tooth removal or a more complex procedure like bone grafting, you can be confident that you are in the hands of a skilled and caring team.
What is Oral Surgery and When is it Necessary?
Oral surgery is a specialized field of dentistry focused on treating a wide range of diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. While our primary goal is always to preserve your natural teeth, sometimes a surgical procedure is the best or only option to protect your long-term health and prevent more serious complications.
Common oral surgery procedures we perform at our Long Beach office include:
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt and often lack sufficient space to emerge correctly. This can cause them to become impacted, or trapped in the jawbone, leading to pain, infection, crowding, and damage to adjacent teeth. Proactively removing problematic wisdom teeth is a common procedure that safeguards your oral health.
Tooth Extractions
A tooth may need to be extracted for several reasons. These can include severe decay that cannot be repaired with a filling or crown, advanced periodontal (gum) disease that has destroyed bone support, or significant trauma from an accident. We perform extractions with precision to preserve the surrounding bone for future tooth replacement options.
Dental Implant Placement
Dental implants are the modern standard for replacing missing teeth. This procedure involves the surgical placement of a biocompatible titanium post into the jawbone. This post acts as a new tooth root, providing a stable foundation for a dental crown and preventing the bone loss that occurs when a tooth is missing.
Bone Grafting
For a dental implant to be successful, there must be adequate jawbone to support it. If bone has been lost due to tooth loss or gum disease, we can perform a bone grafting procedure. This surgery rebuilds and regenerates the bone, creating a solid base for a future implant.
The Innovative Smiles Approach to Surgical Care
We are committed to making your surgical experience as comfortable and predictable as possible. We combine advanced technology with a patient-centered philosophy to deliver superior care.
- Precision Planning with 3D Imaging: We utilize Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to create a detailed 3D model of your jaw, teeth, and facial structures. This allows us to map out nerves and sinuses with incredible accuracy, planning your surgery for maximum safety and optimal results.
- A Focus on Comfort and Sedation: We never want fear to prevent you from getting the care you need. Our team is skilled in managing patient anxiety. We offer a range of sedation options, from nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") to oral conscious sedation, to ensure you remain calm and relaxed throughout your procedure.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Our surgical philosophy is to be as gentle as possible. We use advanced instruments and techniques designed to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues. This approach leads to less post-operative discomfort, reduced swelling, and a faster, smoother recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is normal to have questions about an upcoming surgical procedure. Here are answers to some common concerns we hear from our patients in Long Beach.
1. Is oral surgery painful?
Your comfort is our highest priority. The procedure itself is performed under effective local anesthesia, ensuring that you will not feel any pain. While you may feel some pressure, you will not experience any sharpness. Post-operative soreness is normal as the anesthesia wears off, but this is typically managed well with prescribed medication or over-the-counter pain relievers.
2. How long will my recovery take?
Recovery time depends on the specific procedure. For a simple extraction, you might feel back to normal within a few days. For more complex surgeries, such as impacted wisdom teeth removal, the initial healing period is usually about one week. We will provide you with a personalized recovery timeline and detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing.
3. What can I eat after my surgery?
For the first 24-48 hours, you should stick to a diet of soft or liquid foods. Good options include smoothies (without a straw), yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soups. It is important to avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the surgical site. Do not use a straw, as the suction can dislodge the protective blood clot.
4. Will I be able to drive myself home after the procedure?
This depends on the type of anesthesia used. If you receive only local anesthesia, you should be fine to drive yourself home. However, if you choose any form of sedation (such as oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide), you will be impaired. For your safety, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours.
5. What are the risks involved with oral surgery?
All surgical procedures carry some level of risk, including infection, bleeding, or nerve irritation. However, at Innovative Smiles, we mitigate these risks by using strict sterilization protocols, advanced diagnostic imaging for planning, and precise surgical techniques. We will discuss all potential risks with you during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed.
Schedule An Oral Surgery Consultation in Long Beach
If you are experiencing dental pain or have been told you need oral surgery, do not delay seeking care. The team at Innovative Smiles is here to provide the expert, gentle treatment you need to restore your oral health and well-being.
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and learn more about our patient-focused approach to oral surgery services in Long Beach.
